Probe into Leeds 22-year-old’s death eight days after release from custody

Rob Parsons

A watchdog is to investigate what checks were made by police on a 22-year-old man who died in hospital eight days after being released from custody.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) announced today that it is looking into West Yorkshire Police’s contact with Ethaniel Butler, from Leeds, this summer.

Mr Butler was arrested in Leeds on June 28 and released on bail. He was later taken to hospital where he died on July 6.

It is not clear what happened between him being released on bail and being hospitalised or the time between the two events.

The IPCC says it began an independent investigation on July 11. It will examine West Yorkshire Police’s contact with Mr Butler, his arrest and any use of force, the period he spent in detention at the force’s new Elland Road police station, checks made during his detention and the adequacy of pre-release assessments.

The investigation will be overseen by the IPCC’s new commissioner for the West Yorkshire area, Kathryn Stone.

IPCC staff have met with members of Mr Butler’s family and preliminary investigatory work has been carried out.

Ms Stone said: “I would like to extend my sympathies to Mr Butler’s family and also reassure them that the IPCC investigation will be rigorous and thorough.

“We will determine whether correct procedures were followed by the officers who came into contact with Ethaniel and whether all national and local policies and guidelines were adhered to by West Yorkshire Police.”